Chapter 86: The Fifth Prince

Lin Miao-miao entered the imperial palace, her gaze lifting to regard the vermilion gates with a profound sense of awe stirring within her heart. Step by step, she made her way into the Imperial Study, feeling an almost mystical unity with the dynasty itself, as though she had merged with its history.

Kneeling before the throne, she looked up to see Emperor Yongchang seated high above, his figure somewhat blurred before her eyes, as if she could not see him clearly. She bowed deeply, and the emperor observed her, saying, “It has been a long time. You have grown ever more radiant.”

With those words, he signaled to Grand Eunuch Bai Qiu to help her to her feet. As she rose, she was suddenly reminded of the old man she had met once before—how similar he seemed to the emperor now. Yet she had never guessed that the kindly old gentleman was, in fact, His Majesty in disguise.

She addressed Emperor Yongchang, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your praise.” Her reply was measured and proper. The emperor then said, “Your factory is managed well. You are quite adept at business.”

Hearing his words, she smiled and answered, “It is all thanks to Your Majesty’s guidance. Without it, even with all my intent, I would be powerless.”

“Miao-miao, upon coming to the capital, I thought to bring Your Majesty something unique from Da’an Kou, but after much consideration, I realized there is nothing you lack.”

Emperor Yongchang, intrigued by her words, wondered what she would say next. She continued with a smile, “Previously, I took only a tenth of my factory’s profits.”

She spoke easily, and the emperor narrowed his eyes in thought. Miao-miao went on, “From now on, I shall contribute another tenth directly to the Imperial Treasury.”

The emperor sat up at this, turning to Grand Eunuch Bai Qiu and laughing heartily. “Ha ha ha! It has been a long time since I have seen a young woman with such clarity.”

“Give her a seat, give her a seat!” He motioned for Miao-miao to sit, and once she had, he regarded her and said, “You are skilled at management. Why don’t you advise me on how to oversee the treasury?”

He spoke without concern that she knew of the treasury’s affairs; Miao-miao surmised that Emperor Yongchang already knew Li Zheng had spoken to her. Seeing the emperor’s indifference, she herself felt no qualms and replied, “Your Majesty could establish a perfect system of management.”

The emperor listened, eyes narrowed, and asked, “What would constitute a perfect system?”

Miao-miao smiled, “Your Majesty should have a thorough inventory of all assets in the treasury, recording each item in detail. Once everything is accounted for, you will need a bookkeeper and a warehouse manager, as well as an auditor. Ideally, these three should be strangers to one another, so they can check and balance each other, ensuring Your Majesty is not deceived.”

Emperor Yongchang laughed aloud at her suggestion. “Very well! I shall send people to learn from you.”

He turned to Grand Eunuch Bai Qiu, “It grows late. Let us go pay our respects to Noble Consort Xianrou.”

Miao-miao bowed to the emperor, and as she and Li Yanhe departed, she noticed Li Yanhe was limping. Curious, she asked, “What happened to you?”

Li Yanhe glanced at her but said nothing. Soon, they arrived at Noble Consort Xianrou’s palace, belonging to Yuan Chuxia. Upon meeting her for the first time, Miao-miao was struck by an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Noble Consort Yuan Chuxia smiled gently at Miao-miao, who offered a deep bow. Miao-miao had expected the reunion between Li Yanhe and his mother to be emotional, given their long separation, but it proved otherwise.

At noon, Miao-miao dined with Emperor Yongchang and Noble Consort Yuan Chuxia. After fulfilling her duties, she was finally able to return. She had not anticipated the responsibilities that came with her new title.

As she and Li Yanhe left together, a beautiful woman cast a venomous look in Miao-miao’s direction. Her arrival in the capital sent ripples through the city; the next day, rewards poured endlessly into Prince Li Yanhe’s residence.

Examining the gifts, Miao-miao said to Li Yanhe, “Why did His Majesty have you kneel so long and treat you harshly, when these are exactly what he desires most?”

Li Yanhe replied, “You’re clever enough to understand.”

Miao-miao sighed, knowing the truth. These were indeed what the emperor sought, but he had to keep up appearances, feigning severity with Li Yanhe so that everyone would believe Prince Shengxuan had fallen for a country girl. He had exchanged military merit for imperial favor toward a commoner, transforming what could have been real power into mere praise and material reward.

All of Miao-miao’s identity and status had been purchased with Li Yanhe’s military achievements; she had been granted the title of Princess. It meant she had stepped into the royal family, and thus, she and Li Yanhe were bound as husband and wife, though the emperor had not yet proclaimed it. Barring unforeseen events, Miao-miao would surely marry Li Yanhe—unless he died on the battlefield, in which case Emperor Yongchang might even have her accompany him in burial.

Miao-miao felt a pang of sympathy as she glanced at Li Yanhe’s knees. He smiled, “It was only a long time kneeling.”

She remarked, “It’s certainly not as easy here as in Da’an Kou.”

Afterward, she turned to Madam Zhao, “Bring out the pig’s trotter soup I prepared.”

Li Yanhe raised his brows, “Why did you make tonic soup? I don’t really need it.”

Miao-miao replied, not lifting her head, “You should nourish yourself. After all, you knelt for so long.”

Li Yanhe laughed and shook his head. At that moment, Lin Langluan and Lin Langze returned after playing outside with the children, ready for their meal.

Hearing Madam Zhao’s suggestion, Miao-miao found a nearby school and enrolled the two children, believing they needed friends and direction rather than staying at home all day. Both Lin Langluan and Lin Langze were cheerful by nature and quickly made new friends at school.

They enjoyed their classes immensely, sharing their daily experiences with Miao-miao and Li Yanhe after school. Miao-miao always listened with a gentle smile as they recounted their childish tales.

Madam Zhao, who loved caring for children, was said by Li Yanhe to have been his mother’s most trusted attendant, so Miao-miao felt at ease relying on her.

When Miao-miao and Li Yanhe dined together, Lin Langluan and Lin Langze would sometimes raise questions, which Miao-miao answered patiently. Li Yanhe, observing this warm domestic scene, felt his heart fill with contentment.

News of Li Yanhe’s return to the capital had already spread, and many believed his military command had been stripped.

Yet their schemes came to nothing. On this day, Fifth Prince Li Anping appeared at Li Yanhe’s manor, reminding Miao-miao of the treasury. She observed the two respectful attendants behind Li Anping, who bowed to her, and she nodded in return.

Miao-miao began teaching her simple bookkeeping methods to the three, holding lessons throughout the morning. At times, she found it dull, yet seeing Fifth Prince Li Anping sit attentively, she pressed on.

After the lesson, Miao-miao noticed Li Anping coughing and instructed Madam Zhao to prepare some pear water for him. Li Anping was momentarily surprised when Madam Zhao served the drink, then caught Miao-miao’s smiling, squinting gaze and nodded in acknowledgment.

Fifth Prince Li Anping had always felt invisible until yesterday, when Emperor Yongchang’s edict brought him into public view. This disabled prince, born with a limp, drank the sweet, warming pear water with gratitude.

Miao-miao’s methods were simple, yet to those with no foundation in mathematics, they seemed a bit complex. As the morning drew to a close, she said, “That’s all for today. We’ll resume lessons in the afternoon.”

With that, she gathered her things and, accompanied by Madam Zhao, left. In the garden, she saw Lin Langluan and Lin Langze returning from school, chirping about their experiences. Miao-miao listened attentively to their lively chatter.

Suddenly, Fourth Prince Li Deren appeared, tapping Miao-miao on the shoulder. Before she could react, he snatched the veil from her face, provoking her anger.

She rebuked him, “Li Deren, can’t you behave yourself?”

As Fifth Prince Li Anping passed by, he saw Miao-miao smiling and chatting with Li Deren. Li Deren, spotting Li Anping, offered him a respectful bow.

“Princess,” Li Anping greeted Miao-miao with a bow as well. Seeing his courtesy, she said, “Just call me Miao-miao.”

She turned to Li Deren, “What brings you here?”

Li Deren raised his brows, “Can’t I come to play?”

“Don’t you have work today?” Miao-miao asked.

Li Deren grinned, “I’m off today—no work.”

Miao-miao addressed both Li Deren and Li Anping, “Stay for lunch today.”

Li Deren laughed, “If the food isn’t good, I might just overturn the table.”

Miao-miao glanced at him, “No worries. Li Zheng is coming for lunch, so you wouldn’t dare.”

Li Deren chuckled, “Then thank you for your hospitality.”